Behavior Support Specialist

Job Title: Behavior Support Specialist Reports To: Principal / Director of Student Services/Director of Special Education Classification: Full-Time/10-Month Academic Calendar Position Overview: Plainfield Schools is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Behavior Support Specialist to join our Student Support Services team.

In this role, you will work collaboratively with general education teachers, special education staff, school psychologists, counselors, and administrators to support students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Your focus will be on developing positive behavior interventions, implementing individualized support plans, and coaching school staff to foster an inclusive, safe, and positive learning environment where all students can succeed academically and behaviorally.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct coaching, modeling, and instructional support for students to teach replacement behaviors, emotional regulation, and social-emotional skills. Assist classroom teachers and instructional aides with setting up proactive classroom management strategies, visual schedules, and reinforcement systems. Facilitate small-group or individual behavior support sessions focused on conflict resolution, self-management, and copings strategies.

Model behavior management techniques directly within general education and special education classrooms. Conduct fidelity checks to ensure classroom implementation matches behavioral plan protocols. Implement, and monitor evidence-based Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans.

Routinely analyze behavioral data to measure intervention effectiveness and collaborate to adjust BIPs accordingly. Respond to acute behavioral crises using district-approved, non-violent crisis intervention protocols. Participate in post-crisis debriefings with students and staff to establish root causes, rebuild trust, and refine preventive strategies.

Collaboration: Maintain open, professional communication with teachers, staff, and administrators regarding student progress, behavior, and classroom needs.

Qualifications

& Skills: Registered Behavior Technician credential preferred or experience working in special education, psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work or a related field. Minimum of 2 years of experience preferred of working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders, or traumatic brain injury.

Certification in a district-recognized crisis de-escalation framework (e.g., Mandt) or willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Strong classroom management and behavioral assessment capabilities. Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust with students, staff, and caregivers.